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A surge protector has become a common sight in homes everywhere, but this sometimes betrays the important job that the unit is actually intended to perform. Choosing a good surge protector means that appliances, computers, and sometimes other devices that are attached to it will be protected from sudden increases in line voltage, extending the life of the equipment as well as preventing spikes from destroying fragile electronics. Many of the ratings and other information printed on the packaging of the protector can help to determine which one is the best choice.
When initially examining a surge protector, the basic construction and design should be considered. The unit should be well made and feel solid. An indicator light that shows it is receiving power and that the unit is grounded is important to prevent accidents and to make it easy to know when to replace the protector. It should have enough available outlets to be useful, and they should be placed in a way so that large plugs will not cover empty outlets. If a child is in the home, then surge protectors that come with outlet covers attached might be a good choice. If the home has a phone line or DSL line, then a surge protector that has a jack for the line can help to protect routers, modems and phones from surges as well.
The technical features of a surge protector are very important. It should be capable of monitoring the neutral, ground, and hot electrical lines. If the unit has a small button or toggle switch, then it has a circuit breaker, which can be important. The breaker will trip in the event of some electrical malfunction and is an excellent safety measure. In some cases, it can be very useful if the surge protector emits some type of sound once a surge has been detected, or when an electrical problem occurs, allowing anyone nearby to know attention might be required.
When comparing two surge protectors, a few numbers might help to make the choice easier. The first is the rating given by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL). The lower this number is, the better the surge protector will operate when confronted with a surge or spike. The second number to look at is the Joule rating of the unit. Unlike the UL rating, the higher the Joule rating, the more electricity the protector can absorb, making it better at protecting equipment.
What else can I help you with?
What if surge protector had high resistance?
If a surge protector had a very high resistance at all voltages, the wires in the surge protector would short out. It would kick off the protector and make it useless. A new surge protector would need to be purchased.
Once a surge protector has done its work how do you reactivate it after a surge?
Reactivation of a surge protector is normally not necessary if your protector has taken a hit. Typically a protector will continue to work without the ned to reactivate it.
How can I ensure the safety of my electronic devices by properly installing a surge protector?
To ensure the safety of your electronic devices when installing a surge protector, follow these steps: Choose a surge protector with the appropriate joule rating for your devices. Plug the surge protector directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord. Connect your electronic devices to the surge protector, making sure not to overload it. Test the surge protector regularly and replace it if it shows signs of wear or damage.
Why does my surge protector keep tripping?
A surge protector may keep tripping due to overloading, a faulty connection, or a power surge. It is important to check the devices connected to the surge protector and ensure they are not drawing too much power. Additionally, inspect the surge protector for any damage or loose connections. If the issue persists, consider replacing the surge protector to prevent potential electrical hazards.
Is it safe to plug an air conditioner to a computer surge protector?
It will very likely damage the surge protector
Is a surge protector used for electrical fouls?
a surge suppressor or protector protects your equipment from spikes on the electrical line.
What should homeowners purchase to protect their devices from future problems such as this?
A surge protector, Apex. :D
Do you need a surge protector with a generator?
Yes, using a surge protector with a generator is advisable to safeguard your devices from voltage spikes. Generators can produce inconsistent power, and a surge protector helps prevent damage from surges or fluctuations. Additionally, some generators come with built-in surge protection, but using an external surge protector can provide extra security for sensitive electronics. Always ensure the surge protector is rated for the generator's output capacity.
How can I properly install a surge protector to protect my electronic devices from power surges?
To properly install a surge protector, first, plug it into a wall outlet. Then, connect your electronic devices to the surge protector. Make sure the surge protector has a high joule rating to handle power surges effectively. Additionally, replace the surge protector every few years to ensure continued protection for your devices.
Will a surge protector last longer if it's unplugged from the wall outlet during an electrical storm?
Possibly, but that's kind of missing the whole point of a surge protector. The surge protector exists to protect the things that are plugged into it. If you're not using those devices anyway during the storm, sure, go ahead and unplug the surge protector... but you could also have just unplugged the devices themselves from the wall and not bought a surge protector in the first place. Also, storms don't directly damage surge protectors. Stopping surges damages surge protectors. If there's no surge, it doesn't matter if the surge protector is plugged in or not.
Do you know who cells the best surge protectors around?
I would recommend buying a surge protector from Best Buy or Futureshop. The prices range greatly and the more expensive then usually the better the quality of the product.
How can I install a whole home surge protector?
To install a whole home surge protector, you should first turn off the main power supply to your house. Then, locate the main electrical panel and install the surge protector on the line side of the panel. Connect the surge protector to the grounding system and the main power supply. Finally, turn the power back on and test the surge protector to ensure it is working properly.
